Migration is the movement of people from one place to another and occurs in a variety of situations. While many people migrate within their own countries to improve their lives or for other reasons, a significant number cross borders for the purpose of seeking refuge, business activity, or employment. Crossing borders to work is called labor migration and is one of the largest forms of migration in the modern world, accounting for nearly66%.accounts for a large share of the total number of immigrant workers. Labor migration is beneficial in many ways by providing job opportunities for skilled workers in countries other than their own, while at the same time supporting the economic growth and development of the countries that host migrant workers. This is not a historically new phenomenon, nor is it limited in scope; it can be found across a wide variety of occupations, sectors, and regions around the world.
The advent of the Internet and digital technology has affected labor migration in many ways. In terms of governance and management, digital technology is helping countries and organizations manage migration flows, improving the efficiency and convenience of various application procedures such as visas and work permits. Governments are also using the vast amount of data and information to improve services for arriving migrants. However, the role and usefulness of digital tools goes far beyond governance and management. Through the use of digital tools and online portals, migrants can be connected to job opportunities, improve their daily lives, and receive assistance that was difficult to obtain through traditional means of support, such aspossibleThe results are as follows. Overall, digital tools not only influence migrant workers' aspirations, motivations, and daily activities, but also the nature of migration and the overall migration process. The impact goes beyond the geographical scope and extends to almost all regions and all aspects of daily life involved in migration.
This article focuses on showing how digital tools are affecting migration in North Africa from the perspective of migrants, rather than from the perspective of governments and administrations. It begins with a brief overview of the various ways in which technology and digital tools affect migrant workers and their migration processes, followed by several case studies from four North African countries. These case studies are not limited to the region, but provide additional insights as technology evolves and expands in diverse ways and becomes more widely available to migrants around the world.
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Digital Tools in Migration
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) states that "access to technology is critical to the safety and empowerment of migrants and refugees, and to their inclusive participation in the labor force and society."Stated.. The Internet, smartphones, and other technologies we use on a daily basis also support the migration process of migrant workers. Migrants use these technologies not only to keep in touch with family and friends back home, but also to navigate their new lives at their destination. For example, they use translation apps to communicate with locals and obtain information about daily life in their new society.
In the workplace, language translation tools may be used to avoid misunderstandings, and in some cases, issues that migrant workers face in the workplace, such as instances of harassment and abuse, can be addressed using digital technologyreportSometimes they do. Thus, digital tools can play a useful and important role in resolving or mitigating issues related to language and cultural barriers in the workplace.
The use of digital applications and technologies, especially social media and messaging communication platforms, can be a means of providing important information and guidance to migrant workers in host countries quickly and inexpensively. Governments and labor organizations may develop dedicated smartphone apps to provide migrants with assistance and information on daily life, language education, and even job training. In addition, workers can use digital payment solutions and remittance apps to provide family and communityremittanceThe new system also makes it possible to
Turning to North Africa, migrant workers who travel to and from the region utilize digital tools and smartphone apps, as they do in other regions. However, there are some characteristics and situations that are unique to this region. The proximity to the Middle East and the Mediterranean Sea, with its unique historical and geographical realities, has shaped inter- and intra-regional migration routes, and the diffusion of digital technologies and tools has influenced and complemented the migration process. The following examples of the use of digital tools in migration from Morocco, Algeria, Egypt, and Tunisia are just some of the ways in which technology impacts migration in diverse ways.
Morocco Case Study: Use of Smartphones and Social Media
Due to its proximity to Europe, Morocco has become a transit point for many migrants and refugees from sub-Saharan Africa en route to Europe in search of better economic opportunities and refuge. Migrants arriving in Morocco may use their smartphones to gather useful information and share it with other migrants, which may lead to the selection of a particular migration routeaffectIt may also give the Indeed, digital and mobile technologies can also affect the willingness to migrate and the decision itself.affectmay have an impact on the migration process. For example, these technologies enable people considering migration to interact with those who have already migrated and to access information and media about opportunities and lifestyles, which in turn influences their migration decisions. Thus, mobile and digital technologies can be seen as complementary causes of migration itself.
Morocco is not only a transit country for migrants, but many Moroccan nationals are also moving out of the country. For these migrants who settle outside the country, mobile and social media also serve as a place of psycho-social support. This is mainly because they provide a way to stay in touch with other members of the migrant community and their families back home.
For example, regarding the use of Facebook groupsresearchshowed that social media was not only a source of information but also a "place of practical and emotional support" for Moroccan immigrants in the United States during the pandemic of the new coronavirus. The study also highlights the different languages - Arabic, English, and French - used by Moroccan immigrants in different situations and contexts on social media. These include the sharing of practical and health-related information and the expression of emotions when someone dies during a pandemic.
Border fence between Spanish Ceuta and Morocco on the African continent (Photo: Mario Sánchez Bueno / Wikimedia Commons [CC BY-SA 2.0]
Algeria Case Study: Video Posting and Social Media
Not all use of digital tools and social media is positive. Due to their colonial historical background and relationships, many Algerian migrants have moved to France. In fact, Algerian nationals have been subject to certain deregulation measures when moving to France.subject (of taxation, etc.)This has become the case. Nonetheless, there are still many migrants from Algeria who choose irregular means of travel to Europe, and technology is used to inform others of routes and means in the process. Some people from Algeria and other North African countries use video sharing sites and other means of information about routes and transit methods to reach Europe irregularly.shareand it is potentially hazardous and risky.
On the other hand, there are also examples of positive use of digital tools by Algerian immigrants. During the Corona pandemic, the Algerian immigrant community abroad used digital tools to help provide food and lodging for community members and to facilitate fundraising for hospitals.conjugationThey were doing so. For example, Algerian migrants in the UK were able to raise substantial amounts of money for those in need of assistance. While lockdowns made in-person gatherings difficult during the most severe phases of the pandemic, online and digital spaces provided a venue for migrants to rally and practice mutual solidarity. In addition to the usual social media spaces, people in the migrant community also used tools such as Zoom to communicate and support each other.
Digital tools were also used for fundraising and money transfers. In addition to using bank accounts, platforms such as GoFundMe and social media apps were used to quickly and smoothly raise and transfer funds to those in need.remittancetook place. Digital technologies and tools boosted nationality solidarity, religious ties, and community-based support and activism efforts among migrants from Algeria. They also contributed to strengthening connections in the digital space, enabling community members to coordinate and organize spiritual and economic support.
Beyond their use in the migration process and in daily life, this case study shows that social media and digital tools also serve as important tools for emergency and needs-based assistance. Especially in times of crisis, their role is even more pronounced. Uncertainty and disruption are always part of the migration experience, which can take many forms, including public health emergencies, natural disasters, and economic difficulties or crises in the country of origin or host country.
Workers harvesting dates, Algeria (Photo:Radwan Menzer / Pexels [Pexels License]
Egypt Case Study: Government-led Digital Learning Platform
The situation of migrant workers is often precarious, and in some cases they are forced to return home suddenly. For example, during the Corona pandemic, many Egyptian migrant workers who had worked in various countries lost their jobs and were forced to return to Egyptreturn to one's countryThey had no choice but to do so. These migrants were not prepared for the different labor markets upon their return, given the uncertainty caused by the pandemic.
Digital technology was used to address this difficult situation: in 2020, the Egyptian government's Ministry of Immigration and Expatriate Affairs, in cooperation with the World Food Program (WFP), launched a learning platform called "Bedayah Digital," aStarted up.The The platform provided vocational training and skills education through online learning, with skills training focused on improving "employability." It also provided access to employment services to find new opportunities to utilize the skills acquired.
In addition, this effort was also aimed at reducing irregular migration due to unemployment and lack of opportunities. Many migrants from rural Egypt take dangerous and risky irregular migration routes across the Mediterranean to Europe.useThe project is working to. Equipping migrants with skills that are ready for the labor market upon their return reduces the likelihood that they will choose the irregular migration route; WFP representatives describe the platform as a "comprehensive window to bridge the gap between youth skills and market demand" and that its focus on skill building and matchingIndication.The following is a list of the most common problems with the
In addition to connecting workers with skills training and opportunities, this digital platform will also provide access to a variety of loans for returning migrantsdesignThe program has been implemented in the United States and Canada. Thus, it plays a dual role in developing the skills of returnees and supporting entrepreneurship. This also contributes to the government's sustainable development and economic growth efforts: through the support of international organizations such as the WFP, digital tools help provide training and opportunities to improve employability in the face of continued economic volatility and uncertainty, while also helping the government achieve its goal of promoting entrepreneurship. This demonstrates that digital tools dedicated to a specific purpose can also help achieve other important goals.
Women attending a conference on health, education, and big data (Photo:UN Women Arab States / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
Tunisia Case Study: Digital Freelance Workers
Digital technology contributes not only to the impact of migration after it has actually occurred, but also to the formation of migration motives. Therefore, digital tools can also help to reduce migration flows by directly addressing the causes of migration and improving the economic situation of prospective migrants. In the case of Tunisia, the country discussed here, about 7% to 10% of the population is mainly in European countrieslivingThe company is doing so.
At the same time, the service sector in Tunisia contributes to the gross domestic product (GDP).60% or moreand digital freelance online labor is gaining attention among the country's youth. The main online labor sectors are ICT and software development, e-commerce, and multimedia industries. This allows many workers to have language and technical skills and work remotely for foreign companies or clients outside the country while still in the country. This trend has been recognized by the government, which launched the "Digital Tunisia" initiative in 2020 and 2025 to support digital transformation and the country's digital economy.promotionThe company has been working on a number of initiatives to improve the quality of its workforce. Online labor plays an important role in this context.
The digital economy and digital platforms have the potential to expand and improve economic opportunities for skilled workers in a country, thereby influencing migration flows before they begin. In one report, improving the working environment for digital workers in Tunisia "could curb the migration of skilled workers seeking employment opportunities outside the country and reduce brain drain."pointing outThe two are being done. Thus, digital tools and technologies are changing the very structure of the local economy and can provide alternative or complementary economic and employment opportunities for workers who are considering out-migration.
Conference to encourage innovation, Tunisia (Photo:Elis.org / Flickr [CC BY-NC-ND 2.0]
Future Outlook
As seen above, digital tools and platforms are not just a means of communication or a supplementary role, but can also serve as a primary problem-solving tool in uncertain situations. Digital tools and social media may also influence migrants' preferences and motivations. As digital literacy and infrastructure continue to improve further in the North African region, these tools will become increasingly useful in the future.
While these tools bring many benefits to migrant workers, it is also important to note that digital tools and technologies may carry risks and dangers for migrant workers and their communities. For example, as the digital space expands, misinformation and false informationdiffusionThis can have a negative impact on the migration process and cause problems in the society of the destination or transit country. These tools also limit migrants' opportunities to engage smoothly with their new society, resulting in social exclusion and other problems.possibilityThere are also
This situation is in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, in particular, "Promoting orderly, safe, regular and responsible migration and mobility of people"targetThe report emphasizes the need to improve digital literacy and promote responsible use of social media and digital spaces in order to contribute to the achievement of the
The type and range of digital tools and platforms utilized in the migration process and in the lives of migrant workers is very broad, and their impact can be both positive and negative. By promoting policies and initiatives that take this into full consideration, technology can be used as a productive and constructive tool to promote sustainable migration.
Writer: Shah Sardar Ahmed
Graphic: A. Ishida
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